It has been an honor singing for the veterans at Rolling Thunder over the past 18 years. Visiting the VA hospitals and singing for veterans, from World War II nurses and Tuskegee Airmen to all other veterans needing care, has been the most memorable and magnificent experience.
I thoroughly enjoy singing at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool the day of the ride, but visiting the VA hospital will be missed the most. Just because this coming Ride for Freedom is the last in Washington D.C., does not mean Rolling Thunder will stop helping veterans and their families.
It may pave the way to better ways to educate the public about how, as Rolling Thunder says, “Many American prisoners of war were left behind after all previous wars and to help correct the past and to protect future veterans from being left behind should they become POW/MIA.”
Remember, if you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a veteran. Thank you!
• Gordon Painter, born in Kelso, Washington, and raised on a farm, enjoys singing, especially at local VFWs and VA hospitals.
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